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Safety Spotlight: Celebrate Responsibly

By Dave Sanders, Director of Safety and Risk Management

While the end of the year brings about the merriment of the holiday season with people traveling to and from parties and vacation destinations, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of drunk driving. If you drive while impaired, you could get arrested, or worse—be involved in a traffic incident that causes serious injury or death. Did you know…

  • Nearly 1/3 of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher
  • More than 10,000 people die every year in drunk-driving crashes
  • In every state, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 48 minutes in the U.S. in 2017
  • Men are more likely than women to be driving drunk in fatal crashes. In 2017, 21% of men were drunk in these crashes, compared to 14% for women.

Buzzed driving IS drunk driving, so take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others this holiday season.

  • Plan your safe ride home before you start the party. Choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver or plan to call a taxi or an Uber.
  • If someone you know has been drinking, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
  • If you’re hosting a party, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
  • Wear your seat belt—it’s your best defense if you’re struck by an impaired driver.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Whether you are our customer or one of our team members, please remain vigilant and safe this holiday season. You matter to us!

Signs that a driver may be impaired:
• driving too fast or too slow
• drifting in and out of a lane or straddling lanes
• driving without headlights on at night
• stopping for no apparent reason
• tailgating other drivers
• using the turn signal inconsistently and/or making abrupt turns